Cece turned 7 over the weekend and it was a crazy couple of days. She was invited to a sleepover birthday party the night of her actual birthday and she told us she wanted to go to that. So we decided to do birthday dinner and cake the night before and then take her on a few adventures during Saturday to celebrate on her actual birthday.
We painted pottery (something she has been asking me to do all summer) and then took her to Toys R Us to pick out a new bike and helmet. She was pretty excited about all the hype surronding her birthday. Cece loves having a whole day dedicated to her. However, when she went off to the birthday party she surprised us by remembering that the party was not about her.
It was her first time going to a sleepover at a house she has never been to and she was a little worried that she would want to come home through the night. We assured her that she could call us anytime and if she wanted to come home we would pick her up. Bonus of living in a small town, everywhere only takes about 30 seconds to get to.
Surprisingly, she called 5 times total, basically to check on how Nate, Arlo and I were doing without her around and to tell me several times that she was in fact, going to stay the whole night. She even called us in the morning to tell us good morning. Silly girl.
This past year, but mainly these past few months I have really noticed such a change in her. Not only physically, because the girl has shot up like a weed and her facial structure is no longer "baby-ish" but with her behavior as well. Of course she is still wild, dramatic, sensitive and on occasion demanding of attention but she has matured as well. She has become very aware of what is excpected of her at home and does most things without being asked. Granted, we still have our moments but dare I say she is, so far, our easiest to parent at this point.
She apologizes easily and always is willing to help me if she notices me struggling (this has happend a lot this summer with being pregnant). She also is very aware of how other people are feeling. Not everyone is happy all the time and it effects Cece when she feels like whoever she is around is not happy. If she notices that I'm having an off day, I get asked repeatedly "Mommy, are you okay?"
We have always been a pretty honest family and I usually just tell her what is bothering me. Most of the time it's just being 9 months pregnant at the end of Summer. Or sometimes I will say "I'm frustrated you and your brother aren't listening." She always listens and sometimes corrects her behavior and sometimes she doesn't. What I have learned from this, is that when I ask Cece the same questions, when I notice she is not her usually happy self, she always is just as honest. It's probably one of the bigggest things Nate and I take seriously when it comes to parenting, we want to be as honest in communication as their ages will allow. So far it seems to paying off and giving us that two-way communication with our children.
Another huge milestone that we have noticed in our girl, is that her anxiety is slowly becoming more managable. She use to have minor meltdowns when entering a new situation or trying something new. Our pediatrican had recommended that we not shy away from situations that could trigger her anxiety because it would never give her an opportunity to learn to manage it. So we put in her new sports, dropping her off at functions in stead of walking her in, putting her in charge of asking to play with others.
I think 7 is going to be a great year for Cece both personally and in school. She has an excellent class this year and has nothing but great things to say about each day. Personally, she is very busy with soccer, dance, tumbling, church and Nate is doing 4-H with her as well and she loves the activities and they keep active. Even if looking at our calendar makes me tired, she is worth it, always.
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